Long-term addiction to methamphetamines (meth) can lead to terminal severe health problems. One of the most common long-term meth effects is an addiction. Quitting the addiction is extremely challenging and can often lead to multiple relapses. For this reason, users should seek professional help from a treatment center when ending addiction meth.
Furthermore, users should also get medical help once they start experiencing side effects of meth, as long-term use can be fatal. Below we look at some of the long term meth effects and what you can expect with continued use. If you have any further questions, please consult a treatment specialist today.
Long-Term Health Effects of Using Meth
If you continue to use methamphetamines over time, you may experience chronic physical and psychological meth side effects. Heavy use can lead to a wide range of problems, including:
- Psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, or repeated movement
- Changes in brain function and cognitive ability
- The inability to think clearly or focus
- Both long-term and short-term memory loss
- Aggressive or violent behavior that is unprovoked
- Damaged blood vessels in the brain
Long term meth effects may also include changes in mood, dental problems, and bone weakness, as well as weight loss.
Further Health Problems from Long Term Meth Effects
In addition to some of the long term meth effects, there are other health problems that you need to be aware of if you continue to use meth. Some of these health problems include:
Liver
Liver disease occurs when you use meth for several months or years. Since the liver can only handle so much, it will become inflamed or scarred. There are several liver-related conditions, such as fibrosis and hepatitis.
Digestive System
Meth can wear down the stomach lining and increase the amount of acid in the stomach. This will ultimately lead to painful ulcers. There are other functions in the digestive system that meth can affect over time, such as food absorption and excretion.
Pancreas
When you take meth for long periods, your pancreas will produce harmful or toxic substances. You may end up with pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas. This can lead to poor digestion performance.
Central Nervous System
Constant meth abuse can lead to a deficiency in thiamine and vitamin B1. Eventually, this can lead to disorientation, poor coordination, problems with learning, and other meth side effects such as problems with recalling even simple facts.
Cardiovascular Problems
Consuming meth is directly linked to all types of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, blood clots, strokes, poor health muscles, and heart attacks. You could also suffer from anemia.
Reproductive Problems
If you continue to use meth, you may suffer from erectile dysfunction, menstrual problems, or reproductive issues. If you use meth while you are pregnant, you could risk having complications with the baby.
Get Help for Meth Addiction to Avoid Long Term Meth Effects
Now that you know the long term meth effects, it may be time to get help. Recovery Ways offers various treatments for meth addiction, including:
- Meth detox program
- Meth addiction treatment program
- Dual diagnosis programs
- Medication-assisted treatment programs
Call us at 888.986.7848 to start your treatment for meth addiction today.
